CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Today, the Tennessee State University Tigers softball team (6-2) will travel I 40 east to take on the University of Chattanooga Mocs. (3-2). The Tigers look to continue their winning ways after they went 2-2 in the Roar City Classic this weekend.
 
 "I like how we have started the season; now it is time to continue," said Tiger head coach Genee McRath. "Chattanooga is a great test to see where we are as a team. We look forward to this challenge."
 
After a 4-0 weekend in the River City Classic, TSU got a complete game from sophomore Caitlyn Manus but took a 2-1 loss against the hot-hitting North Alabama Lions. In the second game on Saturday, the Tigers' bats got cooking as they cruised to a 12-4 five-inning win over Alabama A&M. Manus got the win in relief, only giving up one hit and striking out four in 1 2/3 innings.
On Sunday, TSU jumped out to a 2-0 lead against the Bradley Braves in the first inning. The Braves then scored five straight runs to give them a 5-2 lead. TSU shortstop Nahtali Simpson's two-run third homer in the third cut the lead to 5-4. The Tigers tied it in the fourth when Anayah Baker-Rowell scored on a passed ball. Bradley closed the game by scoring the subsequent three runs to take the win.
In the final game of the classic, every player got at least one hit for the Tigers as they defeated Alabama A&M 11-1 in five innings. Freshman Holly Ayala was a star in the circle and at the plate, as she threw a complete game and had two hits, scored two runs, and had the first RBI of the game.
 
The Matchup: Tennessee State Tigers (6-2).  
Date/Time: Thursday, February 23|| 5:00 p.m. (CST)
Location: Warner Park Field #3 | Chattanooga, Tenn.
Live Stats: SIDEARM Live Stats (gomocs.com)

SCOUTING THE TIGERS:
TSU's two-headed monster in the circle of sophomore Caitlyn Manus and Holly Ayala has kept the team in every game this season. They have combined for five complete games while holding opponents to a .281 batting average. Leadoff hitter Laila Armstrong has been consistently getting on base for the Tigers. The right-fielder is hitting .524 for the season.
 
SCOUTING CHATTANOOGA
This past weekend, Chattanooga's pitchers combined for 12 strikeouts against Marshall and eight against Western Illinois. The Mocs freshmen pitchers Taylor Long (nine) and Peja Goold (seven) combined for 16. At the plate, Addy Keylon was 4-for-10 over the two days and had four hits, three home runs, and five RBI while drawing a walk. She blasted two home runs against Western Illinois. In the second inning, she had a three-run shot and ripped a solo shot in the bottom of the sixth that would be the game-winner.
 
The Tigers will travel to Atlanta for five games in the Georgia State Panther Invitational.